Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Healthy Forest Alliance Awarded Contract to Provide Training through Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant Administered by The Watershed Research and Training Center
Truckee, California – Healthy Forest Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on wildfire mitigation and forest health, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract to provide specialized training through the Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant. This grant is administered by the Watershed Research and Training Center and aims to expand opportunities for workforce development in underserved communities, with a particular focus on wildfire resilience and fire management skills.
As part of this initiative, Healthy Forest Alliance will deliver a comprehensive training program that includes essential skills and certifications for wildfire response and fire management. The program is designed to equip local workers, community members, and fire practitioners with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to participate in wildfire mitigation efforts, including prescribed fire, forest restoration, and wildfire response.
Key components of the training program will include:
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Firefighter Type 2 Training (S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100): Participants will receive training in the fundamentals of wildland firefighting, including fire safety, basic fireline tactics, and suppression operations. This course is essential for those looking to join fire crews or contribute to wildfire response efforts.
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Work Capacity Test (WCT): As part of the training, participants will undergo the Work Capacity Test, a physical fitness assessment that is required for many fire management positions. This test ensures that participants are physically prepared for the demands of wildfire fighting and mitigation work.
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Chainsaw Operations (S-212): This course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to safely operate chainsaws in wildland fire environments. It covers chainsaw maintenance, safety protocols, and operational techniques for thinning vegetation and creating firebreaks.
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Job Readiness and Workforce Development: In addition to fire management skills, the program will offer workforce development components, such as resume building, job application assistance, and career mentorship, aimed at helping participants transition into sustainable employment in fire management and related fields.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Watershed Research and Training Center to offer this essential training program, which will provide valuable career opportunities to individuals in underserved communities while also helping to reduce wildfire risks in the areas we serve,” said Richard Carvalho, Training Officer of Healthy Forest Alliance. “By offering training in critical fire management skills, we can help build a more resilient and diverse workforce ready to meet the challenges of California’s wildfire crisis.”
The Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant seeks to address the growing demand for skilled workers in fire management and wildfire resilience, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for underserved communities. This project is particularly timely given the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across California, and the need for a skilled, diverse workforce to help address these challenges.
About Healthy Forest Alliance
Healthy Forest Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing forest health, wildfire mitigation, and ecological restoration across California. The organization uses science-based management practices, including prescribed fire, to promote fire-resilient landscapes, protect communities, and restore habitats. Healthy Forest Alliance works with landowners, agencies, and local communities to reduce fire risks and improve forest ecosystems.
About the Watershed Research and Training Center
The Watershed Research and Training Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving watershed health and wildfire resilience across Northern California. The Center offers training and technical assistance to landowners, fire practitioners, and local communities, supporting them in their efforts to enhance fire resilience, manage landscapes, and protect vital natural resources. Through the Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant, the Center strives to expand opportunities for marginalized and underserved communities to gain skills in the growing field of fire management.
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Tanner Low
Public Information Officer
Healthy Forest Alliance
Phone: 888-336-1389
Email: